In this episode, we sit down with Alex Kelly—educator, mother, and holistic parenting advocate—to talk about her journey through cesarean and home birth VBAC, navigating severe pregnancy complications, and supporting a failure-to-thrive baby through breastfeeding challenges and supplementing. Alex shares how her background in holistic dentistry and integrative health shaped her parenting and recovery, and why she’s passionate about helping parents trust both natural and conventional approaches to care.

What You’ll Learn:

• The importance of laboring before a cesarean vs. scheduled cesarean

• Alex’s experience with postpartum hypertension and hospital readmission

• How sleep-breathing disorders and tongue/lip ties can affect children

• The role of nutrition, baby aspirin, and L-arginine in pregnancy

• Why baby position matters during labor (hello, long pushing stage!)

• Insights into holistic dentistry and navigating conventional medicine with balance

Alex Kelly is passionate about educating parents to parent in a naturally-minded way, without letting it cause unnecessary fear or anxiety. Raised by a holistic dentist and a first-generation American mom, she blends holistic and conventional wisdom in her approach to parenting, pregnancy, and health. Alex shares openly about her C-section and HBAC experiences, breastfeeding journey, and commitment to making informed, empowered choices for herself and her family.

Links and Resources Mentioned:

• Instagram: @thenaturalmindedmama

• Website: thenaturalmindedmama.com

• Dr. Hal Stewart (Alex’s father) – Expert in sleep breathing disorders and oral ties

If Alex’s story resonated with you, tag us and share your takeaways on Instagram! Have a story of your own you’d love to share on the podcast? Reach out—we’d love to hear from you.

Connect with Us:

@sophiabirth

@bayareahomebirth

@bornwildmidwifery

Stay Wild 🌳